Today we took the kids to the National Cemetery not too far from here – to remind them why… This is a regular post, with a few reminders of why Memorial Day is Memorial Day. Not waxing poetic on the heroes, but living my life, because “all gave some, some gave all” so we could have the freedom to live as we choose.

Thank you to the Soldiers, Airmen/women, Marines, Coast Guard and Sailors. Those two words are so inadequate but they are all I have.

On to regularly scheduled programming…

First and foremost, the Bell’s Palsy is completely gone!!!! YAY!!!!!!!!!!!

That’s huge!

Second, I went back to the doc who did the first surgery on my nose and he gave me some tips for making it feel better. More yay!!!!!!!!!! Because it’s still tender since the lasering over a month ago :).

Third… My 8yo is having six teeth removed next month :(. We’re going to an oral surgeon because we’re removing all 6 at once.

Egads! All that sounds so stiff and formal… but I haven’t actually blogged in eons. I’ve posted a bunch of book reviews [and the rest of the week will be filled with them, too, as I get caught up on a few – so I can request more ;)] but not an actual blog post.

So what’s going on around here?

Nothing too major but good things. Had a manuscript final in Faith, Hope, Love’s Touched by Love Award contest :). That was a roller coaster couple of days for a variety of reasons – had very, very good reason to think I hadn’t finaled which was hard. I hadn’t finaled in another contest the week before and it seemed to be “confirmation” that this writing thing wasn’t working for me and I should give up.

Several good friends [including NovelSistas Jess and Kristy] helped me through and I was already “okay” when word came in that I had finaled after all.

According to one set of information, the Genesis finalists were supposed to be notified today [there were 20 semi-finalists in my category], but another set of information said the scores were due today and notifications would be in the next couple days.

Friday is the Frasier announcement and next Monday is Duel on the Delta and then I’m DONE with contests until much later this year :).

So things are promising, but nothing OUTSTANDING [like say an agent or contract ;)] just yet.

In other news…

The 4yo starts summer school Kindergarten tomorrow!!! He’ll be 5 before school starts in August but still just 4. I’ll post a pic on my Facebook page [so yes, that means you should go ‘like’ my page if you don’t already ;)]. He’s soooooooooooo excited!!!!! I’m off this week still, but start summer school myself next week :). Need to do a bit of stuff to get ready but mostly plan to write this week [or do edits on the Genesis entry on the off chance it finals].

I tried to write something geared toward Love Inspired, but it Just. Wasn’t. Working. So I quit it and went back to the Bell’s Palsy thing. Loving it and the characters so far – only about 6000 words in and still getting to know them, but this is the part I adore.

Right now? Back to reading a review copy of a book – then write the reviews that will post this week. Look for reviews of:

Think I’m going to do reviews on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting next week – either books I have to review because I signed up to [though I only offer to volunteer to read books I think I’ll enjoy] or ones I’ve read just for fun :).

Hope everyone has had a wonderful Memorial Day and that we remember why…

My husband’s best friend deploys next month. Prayers for him, his fellow soldiers, and his family would be much appreciated.